About the organisation

Our client is a long-established Victorian for-purpose organisation that has spent more than a century removing barriers to personal development and social inclusion for children and young people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through advocacy, family support, education and pathways to employment, the organisation inspires and empowers young people to achieve independence, confidence and economic inclusion.

With a strong donor base built over decades and clear strategic direction from a skilled CEO and Board, the organisation is now investing in the next chapter of its philanthropy and that begins with bringing the right person into this newly defined role.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, the Bequest Coordinator is responsible for designing, delivering and growing the organisation’s bequest and legacy giving program. The role focuses on building trusted, long-term relationships with supporters who are considering leaving a gift in their Will ensuring a sensitive, ethical and strategic approach aligned with the organisation’s mission.

This is a relationship-led role rather than a transactional one. Day to day you will identify and cultivate bequest prospects from the existing donor base and wider community, host site visits and conversations with prospective supporters, develop multi-channel collateral (including Auslan-accessible content) in partnership with the marketing team, liaise with solicitors, executors and trustees on estate matters, and integrate legacy giving into the organisation’s broader fundraising strategy. You will also maintain CRM records, work alongside the finance team to track estate income, and report regularly to the Head of Fundraising.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and build relationships with bequest prospects
• Manage conversations with supporters considering leaving a gift in their Will
• Develop campaign and communication materials with marketing
• Liaise with solicitors, executors and trustees
• Maintain CRM records and track estate income
• Contribute to broader fundraising strategy

About you

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Strong experience in the not-for-profit sector, with a strong track record in individual giving and major gifts. Direct bequest management experience is not essential but you must have the gravitas, sector knowledge and donor-care instincts to lead supporters thoughtfully toward a gift in their Will.
• Tertiary qualifications in fundraising, marketing, communications, business or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated success in building and stewarding long-term donor relationships, with the empathy and discretion that legacy conversations require.
• Sound understanding of donor engagement principles; awareness of estate planning or gifts-in-Wills practice will be highly regarded.
• Confidence with CRM systems, donor reporting, and managing confidential information with care.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Genuine alignment with the organisation’s purpose and respect for Deaf culture and the DHH community (knowledge of these communities will be highly regarded).
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain), and a valid working visa.

Why Join Us

• Part-time role (0.6 FTE / 3 days per week)
• Hybrid working, including one day from home
• On-site parking available
• Supportive and collaborative team
• Meaningful work contributing to a strong social impact

next steps

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Stuart Grenville at Weskay Consulting on 0438 595 809 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Bequest Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs.